The indictment of the Adani Group by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has sent shockwaves through global corridors of power. The 54-page charge sheet accuses Adani of bribing Indian government officials in 2021-22 to secure investments in projects spanning Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The charges are linked to allegations that Adani secured $2 billion in loans from US banks and international financial institutions, providing assurances of ethical conduct while simultaneously engaging in bribery. The question, however, is not just about the validity of the accusations but the broader implications of jurisdiction.
The alleged bribery occurred on Indian soil. No Indian court has found any evidence of wrongdoing, and no cases have been filed in Indian jurisdiction. This raises an important question: What authority does a US court have to prosecute alleged crimes committed in India, especially when there is no substantiated evidence or Indian legal proceeding underway?
The answer lies in a deeper, more complex web of geopolitical motives, influence, and power plays.
At the heart of this unfolding saga is Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader from New York. Known as one of the most powerful figures in US politics, Schumer has wielded considerable influence since taking office in 1999. In 2021, under Joe Biden’s presidency, Schumer reached the pinnacle of his power, becoming the Senate Majority Leader.
The United States judiciary operates differently from India’s. While India’s judiciary functions independently, US judges are appointed through Senate confirmations, making the Senate Majority Leader a key figure in shaping the judiciary. Schumer has overseen the appointment of a record number of federal judges during Biden’s presidency, cementing his legacy as a kingmaker in US legal circles.
However, Schumer’s political clout is underpinned by his close ties to George Soros, the billionaire financier known for his liberal activism and controversial statements about sovereign governments. Soros has publicly declared his intent to “target Narendra Modi and Adani,” accusing them of fostering authoritarianism and crony capitalism.
Soros has donated millions to Schumer’s political campaigns. In 2023 alone, Soros contributed $16 million to Schumer’s Political Action Committee (PAC), ensuring that Schumer retains his grip on power and influence. The alliance between Soros and Schumer raises critical questions about the motivations behind the Adani indictment.
The case against Adani is being spearheaded by Breon Peace, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Peace, appointed in 2021, owes his position to Schumer’s recommendation and subsequent Senate confirmation.
The Eastern District Court has a history of high-profile and politically sensitive cases. Judge Nicholas Garaufis, one of its leading figures, is known for his progressive rulings and vocal criticism of Donald Trump. Garaufis previously overturned Trump-era immigration policies, including the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and has labeled Trump supporters as racists.
Given this court’s history and its players’ affiliations, critics argue that the Adani indictment is less about justice and more about leveraging the judiciary to achieve geopolitical goals. Breon Peace’s role as a prosecutor appears less as an independent arbiter and more as a conduit for Schumer and Soros’s larger agenda.
George Soros has long been a polarising figure in global politics. His financial empire and philanthropic initiatives have often been accused of meddling in the sovereign affairs of nations. Soros openly stated earlier this year that he aims to dismantle Narendra Modi’s government by targeting its key allies, including the Adani Group.
Soros’s influence extends beyond financial contributions. His ideological alignment with progressive causes, combined with his massive wealth, makes him a formidable player in shaping global narratives. Soros-backed organisations have consistently criticised India’s policies under PM Modi, alleging human rights violations and democratic backsliding.
The indictment against Adani fits neatly into this narrative, raising questions about whether Soros’s financial backing of Schumer’s PAC and his public statements against Adani are mere coincidences or part of a calculated strategy.
Jurisdictional Overreach or Targeted Interference?
The indictment raises a fundamental legal and ethical question: Why is a US court adjudicating alleged bribery in Indian states when the Indian judiciary has not found any grounds for prosecution?
The US legal system’s claim of jurisdiction stems from the involvement of US banks and financial institutions in the loans secured by Adani. These institutions require borrowers to commit to ethical practices. Alleged violations of these terms give US courts a foothold to investigate.
However, critics argue that this legal framework is being weaponised to target India’s economic sovereignty. By prosecuting Adani, the US risks setting a dangerous precedent of extraterritorial overreach, where domestic laws are used to interfere in the internal affairs of other nations.
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